Water resource management challenges are shaped by territorial and natural conditions, and each country’s specific context and international commitments. Growing water scarcity poses a significant issue at both national and regional levels. Integrated water resource management in the Yertis (Irtysh) river basin is particularly crucial due to its transboundary nature, involving China, Kazakhstan, and Russia. This study assesses water resource pressure in the Yertis basin using the ‘water stress’ indicator from water management plans of the three states. The Yertis River basin in Kazakhstan is highly industrialized, making it a focal point for analyzing water consumption by industrial enterprises, including KAZ Minerals Group. The research compares water use levels by KAZ Minerals Group before and after modernization of water systems from 2015 to 2020. The study highlights the successful implementation of economic instruments, such as water extraction taxes and modernization of water systems, which have led to reduced water abstraction and improved water recycling. These measures have contributed to mitigating water stress and ensuring a reliable water supply amid increasing demand and climate change impacts. The findings emphasize the importance of transboundary cooperation and the integration of economic, administrative, and technological tools to enhance water resource sustainability.

The article presents an analysis of current (during the period 1985–2022) and projected (during the period 2025–2099) changes in the hydrological regime of the Buktyrma, Yesil, and Zhaiyk river basins in Kazakhstan under the conditions of global climate change. This study is based on the integration of data from General Circulation Models (GCMs) of the sixth phase of the CMIP6 project, socio-economic development scenarios SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5, as well as the results of hydrological modelling using the SWIM model. The studies were carried out with an integrated approach to hydrological change assessment, taking into account scenario modelling, uncertainty analysis and the use of bias correction methods for climate data. A calculation method was used to analyse the intra-annual distribution of runoff, taking into account climate change. Detailed forecasts of changes in runoff and intra-annual water distribution up to the end of the 21st century for key water bodies in Kazakhstan were obtained. While the projections of river flow and hydrological parameters under CMIP6 scenarios are actively pursued worldwide, few studies have explicitly focused on forecasting intra-annual flow distribution in Central Asia, calculated using a methodology appropriate for this region and using CMIP6 ensemble scenarios. There have been studies on changes in the intra-annual distribution of runoff for individual river basins or local areas, but for the historical period, there have also been studies on modelling runoff forecasts using CMIP6 climate models, but have been very few systematic publications on the distribution of predicted intra-annual runoff in Central Asia, and this issue has not been fully studied. The projections suggest an intensification of flow seasonality (1), earlier flood peaks (2), reduced summer discharges (3) and an increased likelihood of extreme hydrological events under future climatic conditions. Changes in the seasonal structure of river flow in Central Asia are caused by both climatic factors—temperature, precipitation and glacier degradation—and significant anthropogenic influences, including irrigation and water management structures. These changes directly affect the risks of flooding and water shortages, as well as the adaptive capacity of water management systems. Given the high level of water management challenges and interregional conflicts over water use, the intra-annual distribution of runoff is important for long-term planning, the development of adaptation measures, and the formulation of public policy on sustainable water management in the face of growing climate challenges. This is critically important for water, agricultural, energy, and environmental planning in a region that already faces annual water management challenges and conflicts due to the uneven seasonal distribution of resources.

Niobium, with its unique properties, plays a key role in high-tech industries, but its recovery from secondary sources remains poorly studied. The kinetics of niobium leaching from niobium-containing middlings obtained via the water treatment of dust chamber sublimations of titanium chlorinators is considered in this study. The leaching process was conducted using a fluoride–sulphuric acid solution. The experiments were performed at 25–90 °C in agitation mode. Kinetic data were analysed using compression-core and mixed-control models, which made it possible to establish the limiting stages of the process. A mixed mechanism, including a chemical reaction on the surface and diffusion through a layer of products with an activation energy of 30.05 kJ/mol, was established. The niobium recovery degree increased from 35.25 to 93.5% as the temperature increased, highlighting its effect on the process. The insoluble residue, rich in titanium, and the liquid phase with niobium and zirconium have the potential for further processing. The results provide the basis to optimise technologies intended to recover niobium from man-made raw materials, contributing to an increase in resource efficiency.

At present, various advanced technologies for field development based on gas-enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods are widely applied worldwide. These include high-pressure gas injection (hydrocarbon gases, nitrogen, flue gases), water-alternating-gas (WAG) injection, and carbon dioxide (CO2) flooding. This study presents the results of filtration experiments investigating the application of gas EOR methods using core samples from a heavy oil reservoir. The primary objective of these experiments was to determine the oil displacement factor and analyze changes in interfacial tension upon injection of different gas agents. The following gases were utilized for modeling gas EOR processes: nitrogen (N2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and hydrocarbon gases (methane, propane). The core samples used in the study were obtained from the East Moldabek heavy oil field in Kazakhstan. Based on the results of the filtration experiments, carbon dioxide (CO2) injection was identified as the most effective gas EOR method in terms of increasing the oil displacement factor, achieving an incremental displacement factor of 5.06%. Other gas injection methods demonstrated lower efficiency.

Self-managed teams are perceived as highly productive and have been actively studied in recent times. Considering this, the notion of the utility of establishing and cultivating such teams in small and medium-sized businesses in Kazakhstan has emerged, aiming to enhance their role in the country's economic development. Therefore, the authors of this article have resolved to conduct an empirical study on teams operating within the SMEs sector of Kazakhstan. This study aims to present the findings of an initial survey conducted among employees of small and medium-sized enterprises to characterize their self-management capacities and identify factors influencing their self-management abilities. For this purpose, representatives of teams in small and medium businesses in Kazakhstan were surveyed. The design of the survey questionnaire involved three field experts to validate and refine the questions. Findings reveal that approximately two-thirds of SME teams in Kazakhstan demonstrate characteristics of cross-functionality, diversity, motivation, and co-location, indicative of their self-managing nature. This suggests agile management's potential for organizational goals. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical study aimed to investigate how far the teams in Kazakhstani enterprises are self-managed.

The purpose of the present study was to develop a nano-coating for fresh vegetables and fruits using a combination of curcumin, sesame oil, stearic acid, and dextran (CSSDNs). The anti-bacterial and nontoxic nature of nanoparticles were tested against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcusaureus) and human fibroblast cells. Enhanced aqueous solubility of curcumin and its stability in the bloodstream were observed from the in vitro blood compatibility studies. The anti-cancer activity of curcumin-loaded nanoparticles was tested against SK-BR3 cells, demonstrating excellent antitumor activity. These findings indicate that the CSSDNs system can be used as an edible coating with strong antibacterial properties and as an effective means of delivering curcumin, which has proven to be successful in treating or preventing cancer.

The article reports the Satbayev University’s studies on deformation monitoring of engineering structures, in particular, the Abay Avenue/Saina Street interchange in the city of Almaty in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Almaty is situated in the region of increased seismic activity, including the main artery of the city—its subway that runs along the Abay Avenue. It is shown that the problem connected with safe operation of unique engineering structures can be solved using the integrated monitoring, encompassing all natural and manmade factors and their analysis, with the authorial procedure and equipment of geodetic surveying. The research utilized an integrated approach, including: geological and geotechnical analyses of rock mass structure and tectonics, instrumental geodetic surveying with the use of GPS technologies, electronic tacheometry and ground-based scanning, as well as assessment of measurement accuracy. The basic network deployment procedure is developed for the deformation monitoring of bridges, and geodetic monitoring of the test traffic interchange and above-ground buildings is performed. The use of electronic tacheometers and laser scanning with the satellite geodesy techniques in the geodetic monitoring is justified. For the installation of high-precision electronic and laser devices for the ground surface geomonitoring, the authors have designed a permanent station which provides fast and accurate centering without tripods. Based on the accomplished studies, the authors propose the subsidence and displacement determination methods for engineering structures. The research findings are included in a scientific project and in education and training courses. The obtained results are usable in enhancement of industrial safety at other objects for the minimiza-tion of seismic risks in the region.

The article deals with the main factors and peculiarities of the transformation of public spaces in large cities of Kazakhstan in the Soviet and post-Soviet periods. It gives a retrospective review of significant historical, existing and emerging public spaces of Almaty. The study is conducted from the standpoint of socioeconomic, natural, environmental and urban development factors of a large city. The positive trends in the transformation of the modern urban environment are highlighted, and the difficulties and disadvantages arising in this process are pointed out. As a result of the study of the situation in Almaty and the foreign and domestic experience, the authors formulate principles that can be useful for professionals in the field of architecture and urban management to optimize urban public spaces.

The study is devoted to the analysis of soil pollution in the West Kazakhstan region with heavy metals and hydrocarbons as a result of intensive activities of the oil and gas and mining industries. The main attention is paid to the determination of pollutant concentrations, their spatial distribution and the impact on ecosystems. It has been established that the region’s soils are long-term accumulators of man-made pollutants, including heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, chromium, nickel) and hydrocarbons. Key industrial zones of the region, such as Khromtau, Aktobe, Karachaganak field and oil refineries, have been selected as objects of study. Field and laboratory studies were carried out using generally accepted sampling methods (GOST 17.4.4.02-2017) and chemical analysis (atomic absorption spectrophotometry, X-ray fluorescence analysis). Geostatistical data analysis was carried out using GIS technologies (ArcGIS), which made it possible to create spatial maps of the distribution of pollutants. The results showed that the concentrations of heavy metals in the studied soils exceed the maximum permissible values (MPC). For example, near large industrial facilities, the concentration of chromium reaches 7333.6 mg/kg, nickel – 2213.1 mg/kg, and arsenic – 19 mg/kg. It has been revealed that soil pollution is accompanied by a deterioration of their physico-chemical characteristics, a decrease in fertility and a threat to ecosystems. The problem is aggravated by the migration of toxic substances into reservoirs and their accumulation in biota, which poses a danger to public health. Monitoring methods, including chemical, bioindication, and geostatistical approaches, as well as innovative soil purification technologies such as bioremediation and the use of nanotechnology, are proposed to minimize environmental damage. The results of the study are important for the development of state programs for the restoration of polluted lands, reducing anthropogenic pressure and ensuring sustainable development of the region.

For effective adaptation to the rapidly changing conditions of the external environment and the implementation of economic activity, a necessary condition for the effective management of sustainable development is theoretical research into the mechanism of its provision according to the vector of innovation. Within the framework of this chapter, a systematic approach to the formation and implementation of the strategy of sustainable innovative development of transport enterprises is outlined, which allows determining the main methods and tools used in order to improve the efficiency of the enterprise's functioning, both in the current period and in the future. At the same time, it is important to note that the strategy of sustainable development includes two main directions-the mechanism of enterprise restructuring to achieve long-term sustainable development and the management policy of short-term sustainable development of enterprises. Methodological approaches have been developed to determine the mechanism of sustainable innovative development, which is a set of subsystems and elements that regulate the process of managing the innovative activity of the enterprise. It is substantiated that one of the most important conditions for the functioning of the mechanism of sustainable innovative development of the enterprise is the formation of the necessary volume of financial resources. In case of limited access to financial resources of developed countries, the main source is the company's own resources. This made it necessary to develop a methodology for the formation of funds for targeted financing, which, based on the characteristics of innovative transformations, are determined by the characteristics of internal investment and venture funds.